The Future Is Circular: How Circle Sportswear Is Redefining the Running Community
von Tamara Adriazola
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We had the chance to interview Solene Roure, Creative Director and Co-founder of Circle Sportswear — a brand born from the desire to rethink performance gear through the lens of responsibility, durability, and fun. With a background in designing for some of the biggest names in sportswear, Solene now leads a label where innovation and sustainability work in sync.
The idea behind Circle came from a simple yet powerful observation: running is one of the most accessible sports in the world, yet the gear we use often leaves a heavy environmental footprint. Circle set out to change that — using only recycled or bio-based materials and manufacturing exclusively in Europe to ensure both quality and transparency. For Solene, creating better products starts with asking better questions.
ARYS Store: Running has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. What do you think makes more and more people join this global running community?
Circle: Running has become super easy to access — you just need a pair of running shoes to start. Thanks to technology, you can bring your entertainment with you, and you don’t have to worry about getting lost.
But because of technology, people are also looking for ways to get away from screens and reconnect with the real world — and with real people.
(So they can post about it on social media after!)
It’s interesting, in my opinion, that technology is the paradox that makes running more popular than ever. It’s a push and pull effect. People need to get away and breathe, but tech keeps them safe and helps them capture memories.
ARYS Store: Many runners now feel part of a ‘running club’ or community. How do you think these groups help runners feel more connected and motivated? What role does Circle Running play in this movement?
Circle: People work and study remotely more and more, and they get everything delivered to their homes.
The only way to socialize nowadays is often going to a pub or a bar. But what if you don't want to drink? Or don’t want to spend too much money? The answer: run club.
Of course, these groups help runners feel more connected — it's such a community builder. Run club members go out together, go on trips together, connect through the runner’s high, and encourage each other. It’s pretty amazing.
Circle is all about that. We have a run club in Paris and one in Annecy, and we also host a Rativo Race twice a year (a 48h eco-trail around two French cities).
Each run club has its style. Ours is for people who expect something better from brands.
Our members are eclectic, but one thing is sure: they have high standards. They want sustainability, ethics, durability, and performance.
And they love to have fun — that’s why our motto is "CLEAN AF"!
At Circle, every product is designed to be worn again and again — the kind of gear you forget you’re wearing because it just works. No chafing, no slipping, no distractions. Just comfort, performance, and a little personality built into every piece.
ARYS Store: I know that high-quality materials and durability are key at Circle Running. What makes a running product truly feel like an investment for those who use it regularly?
Circle: It’s the product you forget you’re wearing when you run.
You know it looks good — it’s important to be excited about your purchase —
but it also keeps everything in place, there’s no chafing, it’s so light you barely feel it, and it doesn’t stink.
You keep picking it up again and again without even thinking about it. It’s the product you don’t want to put in the wash basket because you want to wear it again the next day.
That’s how we create our collections: they are all essentials for running.
Our initial approach is minimal, but we always add nice, fun details so you can feel special when you run in Circle.
ARYS Store: For someone who’s just starting to run, what’s your most practical advice for truly enjoying the experience, no matter their skill level?
Circle: SLOW DOWN.
I started running late (in my 30s) because I thought I couldn’t run — I always went too fast.
I started running with my 70-year-old parents, at a slow pace, and realized that I could run!
The best advice I got was: run slow. On your first run, go twice as slow as you think you should. Does that make sense?
And be consistent: start with once a week, and build up to twice a week, etc. Consistency and patience are key.
Also, if you don't want to be fooled by music and accidentally speed up, I recommend listening to a great podcast.
If you can join a run club, do it — you’ll make progress really fast because running as a group is super motivating.
ARYS Store: We know that running can be solitary, but it can also be a great way to connect with others. What advice would you give to someone wanting to join a running club or start running in a group?
Circle:
Starting a run club:
Consistency is key.
People will come if they see the running club active every week, at the same time.
It can take months for the run club to take off, but just like running, consistency is everything.
Start small and build up.
It’s great to partner with a coffee shop so runners can leave their stuff and come back for a coffee afterward.
Joining a run club:
Run clubs are so popular right now — you can take your pick!
Choose the one that best fits your goal: do you want to run faster, train for a marathon, or just meet people?
